Wow! Did anyone else hear a loud “whoosh” as 2019 flew by? What an amazing year! The Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®, ie: YOU, got so many incredible things done, and I am going to try to recap some of the ones that stick in my mind, in no particular order. 2019 spelled the end of an era, when the decision was made to finally stop print advertising with the Berks Real Estate Weekly (BREW). Our publication served the Association well for many years, but as is evidenced in the larger world around us, it was time for R-BAR to move to a more modern version through our website and online marketing capabilities. We are continuing to build valuable content on our site, and provide services to our eFlyer advertisers and more, but we are also looking into ways to expand our presence in the Community beyond REALTORS® and our Affiliates. Steps are being taken to make sure that our consumers, and the general public at large, understand that REALTORS® are so much more of a resource than simply during the transaction. Stay tuned for more information as things progress, and check in frequently to www.realestateinberks.com.
Since 2018, there’s been massive staffing improvements to R-BAR, it seemed a great time for the Board to tackle some long overlooked duties: revising the bylaws and policies that help govern us. We also adopted a new Strategic Plan, Mission Statement and Vision that will help guide us for the next 3 years, from the Committee level all the way up to the Board of Directors. These changes were officially approved at the Annual Business meeting in December, and will make sure we continue to remain future focused. We also had many new events that came about in 2019. The Murder Mystery was a huge hit in the Spring, and the REALTORS® 5K Run For Shelter in the Fall benefiting Habitat for Humanity and Neighborhood Housing Services was a major success. We look to build upon those events as the years progress. Tweaks were also made to events we’ve done in the past, to freshen them up a bit and attract more participation. The R-BAR picnic was a family friendly event this year, and holding the Installation at the Reading Public Museum was met with great approval. I know from my vantage point at the front of the room at these events that we saw a more diverse selection of our membership at large due to the variety of programming offered. We also had incredible educational opportunities at the Association, from Lunch and Learns to a variety of classes with our new school, Polley Associates. R-BAR continues to be at the forefront of making certain that our REALTOR® members are the best and brightest, and are true advocates for their consumers and private property rights.
R-BAR also had huge successes in local politics in 2019, with 11 of 12 of the candidates we had endorsed in the general election winning office! That is an incredible result, and demonstrates the power and value that REALTORS® have in Berks County, and why it is so important for members to get engaged, be active and invest in RPAC! Of those 11, 4 REALTORS® were elected into office, including our first REALTOR®/County Commissioner, Michael Rivera. We have the ability in the coming years to make sure that all decision makers on the local levels understand the importance of consulting with REALTORS® on matters that pertain to housing, taxation, business, zoning and so much more.
Additionally, REALTORS® truly are champions in their community. You gave blood, food, toys, money, energy and time to so many great causes this year (and for decades in the past), for which you should all be commended! Without your efforts, many Berks Countians would not be able to eat, not have a home, not be able to heal. Your impact is simply incredible. In closing, I want to extend my appreciation to all of you. To the R-BAR staff that makes this Association not only function, but excel beyond so many others locally and across the State and our Nation: Thank You. To all of the Committee Chairs, members and volunteers, be they Realtors or dedicated Affiliates: Thank You. To everyone who gives of themselves to other causes outside of their profession: Thank You. To the 6 members who achieved REALTOR® Emeritus status this year, and the many classes of brand new agents that were officially installed as members this year: Thank You. And specifically, to Merlin Weaver, who served before me, Angela Tolosky who cleans up after me, and to Wesley Stefanick who is the Ringmaster of the Circus: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Happy Holidays, and here’s to an Amazing 2020!!!
~Mark Mohn